I feel terrible writing this, but I need some help! My cat is driving me crazy and I don't know what to do! I am committed to keeping her, as I know that when we adopted her it was for life, but lately I really can't stand her.

A little background....we have 2 cats. One is about 3.5, the other is almost 3. The older one is great. She largely sleeps, comes for cuddles sometimes, plays with us. The younger one is needy and demanding and so annoying! She needs to constantly be the centre of attention, and is always on us, purring and clawing into our laps. We have to lock her away at night and at naptime or else she'd wake the baby. She cries (make that howls) the entire time...I can't rest. She's always underfoot, and several times we have tripped over her going downstairs. She rips up the carpet at any closed door, such that we will definitely have to replace it. There are scratching boards at each door, but she moves them away and digs frantically, crying the whole time.

My DS is 11 months old, and much of her behaviour is likely jealousy. Still, his needs come first and there's nothing I can do about it. We do pay attention to the cat as much as we can, but it is never enough. I find myself getting extremely angry at her constant bids for attention. I have to stop myself, since she is just a small cat and I can't believe how much I let her get to me. I'm normally so easygoing, but this cat has got me really worked up!

So what do I do??!!! I love cats (or thought I did) and have always had a couple. I love my older cat, and adopted both of them for life. So how can I cope?

Have you tried something like Rescue Remedy or a Feliway diffuser? I'm sure this is a stressful time for the kitties with all the changes, just like it sounds like it's stressful for you. Hope you can figure something out!

Have you tried something like Rescue Remedy or a Feliway diffuser? I'm sure this is a stressful time for the kitties with all the changes, just like it sounds like it's stressful for you. Hope you can figure something out!

We used Feliway a while back and I think it worked.

OP, your description of your cats sounds like our older cats. Hear me out, as crazy as it sounds, but would you consider another high energy cat to provide a playmate? It worked for us.

I feel the same way, ever since DD was born. I also have two adopted cats. And the older one annoys the crap out of me. I literally feel myself getting hot in the head when he meows really loud outside the door when I'm trying to give babe her nap. And to top it off, he's started peeing on her stuff and in her room.

well I don't have cats, and can't (allergies), but I can certainly relate to your post, because I am feeling (mostly) DONE with our wonderful dog. He can be SO annoying, and I feel SO guilty, having adopted him for his whole life (or mine). My frustration w/his less than desirable behavior is starting to peak, though, and he's ticking off our neighbors. Not an easy situation, to feel such, so you have my empathy mama! I also 2nd rescue remedy for both you AND the kitty (totally safe for both), and you might consider rehousing her, maybe there is a family who is ready for such a cat? I'd go there w/my dog, but he's 11 and arthritic and ... different story.

My kitty has the same problem with closed doors; he can't stand them! Try using an all-natural deterrent spray on the threshold. You have to reapply daily, but it worked for us. You could also try aluminum foil. I've used it at doors and on counters and tables. Kitty avoids it like the plague. Good luck!